A day after Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks said, "I doubt very seriously I will be a New Orleans Saint again," speculation commenced about where the disgruntled quarterback will play next year.

There are numerous NFL teams looking for a fresh start at quarterback, possibly the Cardinals, Bears or Lions.

Brooks could be traded in the offseason to a team looking to rejuvenate the quarterback position. But, it will be a gamble for any team that is willing to take him. The question is: Will it get the Brooks of 2003 (24 touchdowns and eight interceptions) or the Brooks of 2005 (13 and 17)?

"He is unequivocally in my mind a starter in this league. He's proven that," said Brooks' agent, Mason P. Ashe. "I'm sure there are a number of circumstances where he could help. But, I'm still confident he could lead this team out of whatever they have to face."

And will the prospective team be willing to grapple with Brooks' contract? In the final two years of his current contract, Brooks is expected to earn $6.5 million for 2006 and $7.5 million for 2007.

"I think a change of environment will be good for him," said Chris Landry, an NFL scouting consultant. "He's got to repair some of his reputation and prove he can be a leader, so on and so forth. But there's such a scarcity of quarterbacks, especially ones with starting experience in this league, that some of those teams will be interested."

For some teams, the risk could be worth it, considering Brooks is only 29 and has shown flashes of brilliance during his 82-game starting streak.

In Detroit, for instance, former first-round pick Joey Harrington hasn't solidified himself as a starter. The Lions have drafted three first-round receivers in the past three years, and Harrington's passer rating this year is 30th in the NFL.

The Cardinals have two potential free agents at quarterback. Kurt Warner, a two-time most valuable player, who will be 35 next season, and Josh McCown, whose passer rating is slightly higher than Harrington's. Both teams are 4-9.

Meanwhile, the Bears are 9-4. Their starter, Rex Grossman, has potential, but he has spent much of his time in the league injured. Rookie Kyle Orton, who replaced Grossman, hasn't put up exciting numbers. Chicago is in first place in the NFC North, but it's second-to-last in scoring offense in the conference.

In the AFC East, Nick Saban's Miami Dolphins are a surprising 6-7, but have had quarterback issues, and it's uncertain what the New York Jets will do with the injured Chad Pennington.

Behind center for Oakland (4-9), former Saints player Kerry Collins is due almost $13 million next season, so he might be asked to restructure his contract.

Baltimore (4-9) is second-to-last in the NFL in scoring offense. Tennessee also is 4-9, and Steve McNair, the former co-MVP, has contract issues and has had numerous injury problems..

A wild card could be the team that traded Brooks to New Orleans. Green Bay (3-10) has the legendary Brett Favre, but he has made comments about contemplating retirement. The Packers drafted California's Aaron Rodgers in the first round last April, but whether he will be ready to start is yet to be determined.

Trading Brooks makes sense for the Saints, because they will get rid of his contract and could get some talent in return. But how much?

In the past five years, a few teams have traded starting quarterbacks, generally receiving a future draft pick. In 2001, the Rams traded Trent Green to the Chiefs -- along with two fifth-round picks -- in exchange for the No. 12 pick overall.

Drew Bledsoe was traded from New England to Buffalo in 2002 for Buffalo's first-round pick the following year, and Washington received starter Mark Brunell from Jacksonville for a third-round pick in 2004.

"I think New Orleans can get a first-day pick for him -- I don't think they could get a first-round pick," Landry said. "I just think the key to that is if you have multiple teams interested in him. It's supply and demand."

Nice find, 08.....Hopefully we'll be lucky enough to get a 1st day pick for him. We're going to need all the help we can get.

BoudinSandwich

12-17-2005 08:17 AM

RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

I don't know if Brooks will be capable of much success for the rest of his years as an NFL quarterback, but we'll have to see. I say we scrap Bouman and try to get an experienced veteran. Keep AMac, as he's still developing. And, I believe we should draft another quarterback this year.

As far as veterans go, isn't McNabb in a pickle in Philly? I think the city might be ready to ship him out. I'll be willing to accept him with open arms. Wide open arms.

papz

12-17-2005 08:29 AM

RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

I'll be happy if we could trade him for a bag of chips.

McNabb is the face of that organization... and the city backs him (that's why TO's out of town). He's not going anywhere anytime soon.

BoudinSandwich

12-17-2005 09:15 AM

RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

I've heard a lot of talk concerning McNabb recently. Most Philly fans like him, but there seems to be a group of them that are ready for McNabb to leave. I've heard McNabb can't really handle that much discontent. Maybe I'm just a sucker for sports radio rumors.

I think McNair would be an upgrade, but I don't see him spending many more years in this league. He has taken way too many shots in his time.

If the Chargers don't make the playoffs, we might see Brees exit San Diego.

Joey Harrington, as many mentioned, will end up somewhere besides Detroit next season.

I think that I'd like to have Kingsburry (sorry if I spelled it wrong) back. Maybe we can trade Brooks for him and a draft spot?

Also, any word on Rohan Davey? I'd love to have this guy quaterback for my team.

saintswhodi

12-17-2005 09:18 AM

I'd take Rohan. Spent a couple of years in NE? Sounds good.

McNair would have to be only for a year or something like that.

UK_WhoDat

12-17-2005 11:14 AM

Re: RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

Quote:

Originally Posted by papz

I'll be happy if we could trade him for a bag of chips.

Bag of chips?

Didn't realize Broke had that much value!

turbo_dog

12-17-2005 11:29 AM

RE: Re: RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

Brooks, John Carney, Sedrick Hodge, Jason Craft for Vilma and a couple of pizzas.

D_it_up

12-17-2005 11:42 AM

RE: Re: RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

The Saints can in no way shape or fashion trade for food. Venturi's lard butt will eat it all and smear it over the defensive plays that he drew up in crayon.

NFLDiva

12-17-2005 11:45 AM

RE: Re: RE: Let the Brooks trade speculation begin

Benson will probably trade the whole lot of them for some "magic beans".......